The American flag is a revered and enduring symbol of the United States.

It's flown everywhere from porches to government buildings to gas stations.

But what happens when the stripes are turning from white to brown, or the edges of Old Glory are beginning to fray?

Etiquette calls for them to be "retired" — disposed of in a dignified and respectful way.

American Legion Post 7 in Carlsbad performed a retirement ceremony for old or damaged flags on Saturday.

With the help of the Cavern City Young Marines and Boy Scout Troop 270, around 300 flags from the legion and area businesses and residences were burned in four large barrels.

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Members of the Cavern City Young Marines and Boy Scout Troop 270 dispose of flags in the stifling heat of Saturday morning.(Photo: Maddy Hayden - Current-Argus)

"We all served our country and we all honor our flag," said Mario Salinas, past commander of the Legion and Air Force veteran. "Honoring the flag, in my opinion, is a duty of all American citizens."

The ceremony also included the disposal of a few POW and New Mexican flags.

The annual ceremony is typically held near Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the American flag as a national symbol on June 14, 1777.

The entire week of June 12 through 17 marks Flag Week, when citizens are encouraged to fly the U.S. flag.

For current Legion commander and Navy veteran Kenneth Hart, the ceremony was about more than the disposal of the flags.

"This shows respect not only to the flag, but also to the servicemen and -women who fought to defend our flag," he said.

Worn-out flags may be dropped off at the Legion at any time and will be stored until next year's ceremony.

A few pieces of flag-flying etiquette, courtesy of the American Legion:

-The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution, every polling place on election days and during school days in or near every schoolhouse.

-The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

-On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.

-The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkin or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.

Maddy Hayden may be reached at 575-628-5512, mahayden@currentargus.com and @Maddy_J_Hayden on Twitter.